720p is one of HDTV video modes, designed in 1980s by AT&T Bell Laboratories. The number in 720p means that there are 720 vertical pixels and 1280 horizontal pixels of display resolution, while the letter p stands for progressive scan or non-interlaced.

720p has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, while the most common frame rates are 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 Hz, depending on the television encoding systems - PAL or NTSC.

720p is directly compatible with newer flat-panel technology such as LCD, plasma and progressive-scan CRTs.